7 Best Blow Dryers for African American Hair (Review)

Check: Best Hair Dryer Straightener You Shouldn’t Miss!

Blow Dryer for African American Hair Top Picks at a Glance

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• NuMe Signature Hair Dryer (Winner): Best Overall
• Conair 1875-Watt Full Size Pro Hair Dryer with Ionic Conditioning: Best Budget-Friendly Blow Dryer
• GHD Air Hair Professional Hair Dryer: Luxurious Aesthetics
• Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer: Turbo Hair Dryer
• BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer: Extremely Versatile

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

7 Best Blow Dryer For African American Hair: Comparison Guide 

1) NuMe Signature Hair Dryer (Winner): Best Overall

This lightweight and compact dryer is incredibly versatile. The controlled heat and the far-infrared heat technology features do the trick for my afro hair. 

And do you wish to know the best feature? Not only does your drying time reduce, but also your hair remains frizz-free and super smooth. 

Particularly if you’ve got tiny hands, you’re going to find this hairdryer extremely “handy” (no pun intended). 

The NuMe Signature Hair Dryer is easy to hold due to its compact and lightweight design. Also, the chances of the dryer slipping out of your hand are slim, thanks to its highly sturdy grips. 

This efficient hair dryer features the Cool Shot option, 1875 Watt range, two modes for speed, and three levels for temperature settings.

Apart from that, this ionic hair dryer even offers you the standard heating modes, just like the other ionic types.  So, it’s not hard to imagine how convenient and versatile it is for your African American hair. 

Measurements

This lightweight hairdryer weighs only 1.25 pounds, with its dimensions being 30.5 cm x 20.3 cm x 40.6 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of NuMe Signature Hair Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
The NuMe Signature Hair Dryer is extremely user-friendly due to its lightweight and compact nature.	The NuMe Signature Hair Dryer cable isn’t retractable.
Compared to other dryers, drying time is exceptionally lesser. To give you a gist, it’s about 30% faster.	Heats fast.
The NuMe Signature Hair Dryer has an 8.5 ft long cord for enhanced mobility.	Durability
It features a no-slip grip and sturdy handles.
It offers you a variety of heat options.

How It Compares To Others

In terms of its ergonomic, it’s pretty hard to deny that the hairdryer leaves any pages unturned. The three temperature settings, the 8.5 ft cord, and other user-friendly features indeed make it an attractive buy. 

At the same time, the icing on the cake is the technology it uses. It’s based on the latest ionic tech and made by using a quality ceramic grill. 

Besides that, the hairdryer exclusively makes use of far-infrared heat. Thus, for your wild African American hair, the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer makes for the ideal candidate. 

If you’re still not ready to give in, hear me out! 

Firstly, the hairdryer helps in moisture retention. How? It’s all due to the harmony of the ionic and ceramic features it offers. 

At the same time, there’s no extensive damage to your hair cuticle. That’s because the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer uses far-infrared heat. 

Plus, it matters not whether it’s humid or not; your African American hair will remain frizz-free throughout. 

Bam! Are you impressed now? I bet you are! 

Expert Tip:

According to celebrity hairstylist, Ryan Richman held that “a blow dryer that falls within the 1300 to 1875 watts range is great for anyone to use at home.” [1]

When you’re drying your afro hair, divide it into sections first. After that, based on your hair type, adjust the speed and heat settings. 

To get the perfect blowout, check out this tutorial.

2) Conair 1875-Watt Full Size Pro Hair Dryer with Ionic Conditioning: Best Budget-Friendly Blow Dryer

This particular hair dryer works effectively for all hair types. Moreover, the Conair Hair Dryer is among the most budget blow dryers in this list of mine.

Conair dryer makes use of tourmaline ceramic technology. It helps you avoid hair burns while still offering blowouts at high amounts of heat. 

The hairdryer features two modes for speed, three temperature settings, and even the Cold Shot button. 

If not for these factors, it’s undoubtedly among the best blow dryers for African American hair due to its 1875 W motor.  You get a pretty powerful engine with the latest technologies at this price range. 

Conair hair dryer makes sure that you don’t end up over-drying your hair. That’s especially true if you have fine or thin or broken hair. The wattage will help you out in these cases.

It maintains your hair texture by spreading the airflow through its diffuser and the concentrator nozzle. 

The Conair dryer offers you more relaxed and smooth straight hair. That’s because it cancels out the frizz and static by using its negative ion. 

One reviewer on Amazon describes the hairdryer as lightweight and sleek but practical for styling. 

Measurements

The Conair Hair Dryer weighs about 1.54 pounds and measures 9.22 cm x 23.49 cm x 26.0858 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of Conair Hair Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
Due to ceramic and tourmaline technology, the Conair Hair Dryer’s drying time is fast and offers uniform heat.	Conair Hair Dryer has issues with overheating.
It’s easy to use.

If you want to know more, go check out this review.

3) GHD Air Hair Professional Hair Dryer: Luxurious Aesthetics

This particular dryer by GHD is especially for those of my readers who have thick African American hair and are struggling to tame their flyaways.

The GHD Air hairdryer assists in tightening your hair cuticles by using its state-of-the-art ionic tech. 

And if you’re familiar with GHD tools, you know that its aesthetic design will be a great addition to your dressing table. And I love that both left and right-hand users will have no problem with using the hairdryer. 

That’s all due to the ergonomic design of the handle. Hats off to the designers for making the hairdryer extremely user-friendly!

Plus, compared to the usual styling hair dryer you find on the markets, it claims to reduce the drying time by half. 

It’s a pretty bold statement, and of course, I had to test it out to see it for myself.

Based on my findings, there’s indeed a stark difference in terms of drying time. Firstly, power is abundantly packed within the dryer.

Also, precise drying, and that too, even before attaching the concentrator nozzle.

Lastly, it offers hot, medium, and fantastic settings. 

Measurements

The GHD Air hairdryer weighs 3.39 pounds and measures 19.68 cm x 8.25 cm x 22.86 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of GHD Air Hair Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
GHD Air hairdryer is quieter.	GHD Air hairdryer is expensive.
The design looks luxurious.	Comparatively heavy.
The hairdryer comes with a nozzle for excellent finishes.

To learn more, check out this demo and review.

4) Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer: Turbo Hair Dryer

Like my top pick, this blow-dryer also uses far-infrared heat.  So, you already know that the Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer is going to dry your hair evenly and quickly. 

Aside from featuring an impressive 2000 W motor, it also has an ergonomic handle that offers you easy maneuverability and comfort. 

Rightly regarded the “Luxury Beauty,” indeed, its prime features don’t come cheap. But if you’ve got the cash, the Elchim hairdryer is an ideal option for your natural African American curly hair.

Plus, maintaining your afro curls is a piece of cake with the help of this turbo dryer that uses ceramic/ionic technology. It’s a result of ultra-modern Italian engineering. 

The Elchim dryer offers you a well-balanced and long-lasting service. The dryer takes over 30% lesser drying time. 

After a blowout, you’re blessed with glossy and well-hydrated African American hair. 

One reviewer on Amazon held that it’s a lightweight machine that is powerful and effective. 

Measurements

The Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer weighs 1.27 pounds. Its dimensions are 18.11 cm x 21.59 cm x 8.89 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of Elchim Blow Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer has a smooth finish. It boasts a design that helps get rid of static electricity.	You’ll need a diffuser separately.
It features a powerful 2400 W motor.	Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Blow-Dryer is slightly expensive.
Comparatively quieter due to its in-built silencer.
Low EMF; a system that offers protection from electromagnetic waves.

If you want silky, bouncy hair, check out this tutorial.

https://youtu.be/k2PMyLsiBvc

5) BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer: Extremely Versatile

If you’re unaware, possibilities are simply endless with products from this particular brand. In terms of styling tools and hair care, in general, BaBylissPRO is indeed among the top brands.

If you’re looking for a hairdryer that offers a salon-like blowout for your African American, I suggest you go for this one. 

Be it design, speed, or power, you get a harmonious blend of each feature packed into one versatile BaBylissPRO hairdryer.

It also features a lightweight, ergonomic handle and a mighty 2000 W heavy-duty motor. 

The Nano-Titanium Technology hairdryer even offers you six-speed and adjustable heat settings in total. 

In terms of styling options, you get a pretty comprehensive variety. You have the concentrator nozzle for precise airflow and a Cool Shot feature. 

Aside from these features, one distinct feature makes this hair dryer one-of-a-kind in my list. That is the removable air filter of the hairdryer, which makes cleaning the tool much easier for you. 

Measurements

The BaBylissPRO weighs 1.78 pounds and measures 21.59 cm x 8.89 cm x 25.4 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of BaBylissPRO Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
BaBylissPRO is versatile; six settings for heating.	BaBylissPRO has balanced speed settings that are absent.
Powerful settings; especially helpful for maintaining long and thick African American hair.	It’s not easy to turn the nozzle; it lacks efficient maneuverability.
Reduces hair damage and frizz.
Long-lasting and powerful performance.

You can also check out this comparison and review video to learn more.

6) Dyson SuperSonic Blow Dryer: Professional Blow Dryer

In short and simple terms, this blow dryer by Dyson is among the top fan-favorite for many stylists out there. And let me tell you why.

If you’ve got natural Afro curls, the diffuser attached Dyson blow dryer will be perfect for you. You can even control the airflow by using the smoothing nozzle with the blow dryer.

It’s beneficial for sleek and smoother finishes. 

Another attractive feature is that, instead of storing the motor in the head of the blow dryer, Dyson uses the handle. That’s precisely why the tool’s lighter than it appears to be. 

Although the best feature is that the Dyson SuperSonic Blow Dryer features a microprocessor, this advanced tech protects your hair by regulating the incoming heat.

In a second, it regulates air temperature twenty times, making sure every strand of your African American hair stays safe.

What’s even better is that you won’t get that burning smell but smooth hair after extended usage. 

Measurements

This Dyson blow dryer weighs 3.55 pounds. Its dimensions are 38.60 cm x 26.69 cm x 10 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of Dyson Dryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
Dyson has a sleek finish and is effective against frizzy hair.	Dyson controls are not easily reachable
It includes five magnetic attachments.	Expensive
High durability and speedy drying.

If you want to know how to style your hair, check out this video.

7) DevaCurl DevaDryer Ionic Hairdryer with Diffuser: The Infamous DevaFuser

Among the most innovative and user-friendly features you get with this hairdryer are the attachments that come with it.

Its shape resembles that of a hand, making it extremely easy for you to hold it while blow-drying your Afro-textured hair.

You have the choice to direct and focus the spot where you wish to provide heat. It helps you retain moisture and blow-dry the roots using the diffuser. 

The design features a solid and durable construction reminiscent of classic blow-dryer builds. But the most attractive feature is that it allows you better control in terms of heat. 

Staying true to its classic design, the DevaCurl DevaDryer features hard buttons and the Cool Shot option. Thus, maximizing your experience and comfort to the max. 

Measurements

The DevaCurl DevaDryer weighs 2.64 pounds and measures 28.95 cm x 27.94 cm x 9.9 cm. 

Benefits & Drawbacks of DevaCurl DevaDryer

Benefits	Drawbacks
If you’ve got natural African American curly hair.	DevaCurl DevaDryer is rather costly.
It features the DevaFuser.	Certified buyers testify that the heat level has been insufficient for them.
DevaCurl DevaDryer is ideal for travel.
DevaDryer reduces heat damage and drying time, boosts volume, and prevents flyaways and frizz.

Remember that intense heat can be and is damaging to your hair. But ultimately, it’s up to you.

If you’re confused about using this hairdryer, check out this video.

Also Read: How to Blow Dry Black Hair

How To Choose A Blow Dryer For Your African American Hair

Engrave this in your mind: No two blow dryers are made equally. Various aspects decide the effectiveness and the possible damages a blow dryer might have in store for you.

So, what then is the following Plan of Action? Firstly, before hopping onto the internet and searching for a blow dryer, figure out your hair type.

Only then, you’ll know exactly what type of hair dryer you need.

For instance, I’ve got thick African American hair. If you have a somewhat similar hair type, you can go for the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer.

But, more often than not, things aren’t that obvious. 

That’s why I’d highly recommend you not skip out on the following section. It has all the information you’ll ever require on how you can select an efficient blow dryer that works for you the best. [4]

Design

The shape and size of hairdryers are probably among the first aspects you notice. And dare I say, it can make or break your experience as a user.

Pay careful to minute details such as noise levels, cord length, the weight and size of the blow dryer. [3]

It might seem pointless at first, but it makes for all the difference. 

Attachments

The airflow and its precision rely heavily on the attachments you use. And that will have a direct impact on your hair texture.

Suppose you’ve got natural African American curls. In that case, I’d suggest you get a hairdryer that comes with styling attachments such as a diffuser, nozzle, comb, and concentrator attachment. 

That will keep your curly hair frizz-free by diffusing the airflow and circulating it towards your hair ends.

If you’re hoping to get sleek and smooth hairstyles, make sure to get a concentrator. It focuses the airflow directly towards your hair. 

Advanced Technologies

If your African American curly hair can’t seem to get a break from flyaways and frizz, opt for a hairdryer with ionic technology. [3]

These dryers with infrared technology, ceramic ball technology, and so on ensure that your afro curls look shinier and remain shinier and aligned. 

Multiple Speed and Heat Settings

Always go for a hairdryer that allows you to play around with various settings. These versatile dryers offer multiple speed levels and show multiple heat settings.

The need for such hair dryers arises because you’ll require different levels of heat based on your hair type. 

The Cool Shot Option

The benefit of the Cool Shot button for your afro hair is twofold.

Firstly, you must be aware that intense heat damages your hair. You must not long expose your hair to heat for long periods.

That’s when the Cool Shot button comes in. It helps quick fasten the drying time and reduces your dependency on blowing heat.

Secondly, this option is highly effective against frizz. 

Power

The power of an efficient blow dryer largely depends on its wattage. Generally, wattages ranging from 1500-2000 W mark the recommended range for any hair type.

So in case, you’re looking for the most efficient hair dryers, look for one that falls within this range of wattage. 

Certified Hair Dryers

When you’re buying a hairdryer from a brand, make sure to look out for safety certifications.

On the packaging of the hairdryer, search for certifications like TUV, SUD, and ETL. 

Avoid Believing Claims Blindly

Take all these claims offered by various brands with a pinch of salt. Don’t fall prey to baseless claims made on the internet.

Lately, you’ll notice brands making claims about the efficiency of new technologies such as far-infrared heat.

Although revolutionary, I suggest you carry out your research and ask around before giving in to these claims. 

Check out YouTube reviews of YouTubers who’ve used the products. You can even go on forums such as Quora and Reddit or read reviews on Amazon to get to the bottom of it.

FAQs

In Conclusion

As is evident from the sections above, the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer fulfills all the criteria for the best blow dryer for African American hair.

Be its versatility, speed or heat settings, or sheer power, the hairdryer by NuMe is leading by a considerable margin. If you’ve got coarse African American hair like myself, I suggest you avail yourself of this. 

As a general rule, make sure that you’ve got a list of certain aspects in mind while choosing a blow dryer for your hair type.

Features such as whether the heat is adjustable or not or the presence of a Cool Shot option can make a monumental difference in the long run. 

I’d recommend you choose blow dryers with ceramic/ionic technology over inexpensive makeshift ones.

References

• 1. Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Hair Dryers [Internet]. HuffPost. 2013. Available from: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hair-dryer-guide_n_4316330
• 2. Buddemeyer R. The *Easiest* Way to Blow-Out Your Natural Hair Without Damaging It [Internet]. Cosmopolitan. 2020 [cited 2022 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34635076/how-to-do-natural-hair-blow-out/
• 3. UCSB Science Line [Internet]. scienceline.ucsb.edu. [cited 2022 Jan 17]. Available from: http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1935
• 4. Nast C. How to Choose the Best Hair Dryer for Your Hair Type and Budget [Internet]. Glamour. 2016 [cited 2022 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-choose-best-hair-dryer

What is your favorite blow dryer for African American hair? Let us know in the comments below!

Last update on 2022-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API